The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick (sometimes known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction) is a sacrament of healing not only for our physical healing, but also for spiritual health, and for the strength, peace, and courage to bear the burden of illness..

In the Sacrament of the Sick, through the laying on of hands and anointing the head and hands with holy oil, Christ gives new strength and hope to the sick and dying.  ​

• Please contact a priest or the Parish Office or if you are in need of the Sacrament of the Sick or would like to request it for a loved one.
• For those who are in St Richard’s Hospital, the staff can page an on-call priest upon request.

The Sacrament can be administered to those who become seriously ill or when their condition worsens. They do not have to be in imminent danger of death to receive the Sacrament. It is often administered:

• before surgery, or a serious medical procedure.
• during a long-term or terminal illness.
• to those experiencing health issues related to old age.